U.S. patent number 5,687,984 [Application Number 08/510,501] was granted by the patent office on 1997-11-18 for collapsing cart.
Invention is credited to Violet S. Samuel.
United States Patent |
5,687,984 |
Samuel |
November 18, 1997 |
Collapsing cart
Abstract
A collapsing cart for wheeled transport of diverse items over
the ground surface. The cart includes a pair of side members having
handlebars for grasping by a user and a number of ground-engaging
wheels for movement. A number of lateral struts join the side
members together. A flexible article carrier is suspended from two
of the lateral struts. In the event that the cart is to be used on
unconsolidated or uneven surfaces, an auxiliary carriage having
load-distributing rollers may be secured beneath the wheels.
Inventors: |
Samuel; Violet S. (Laguna
Hills, CA) |
Family
ID: |
24031006 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/510,501 |
Filed: |
August 2, 1995 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/641; 280/42;
280/644; 280/651 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B
3/008 (20130101); B62B 3/02 (20130101); B62B
5/0083 (20130101); B62B 7/06 (20130101); A61H
3/04 (20130101); A61H 2201/0161 (20130101); B62B
5/065 (20130101); B62B 5/066 (20130101); B62B
7/004 (20130101); B62B 7/064 (20130101); B62B
2202/90 (20130101); B62B 2205/02 (20130101); B62B
2301/254 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62B
3/02 (20060101); A61H 3/04 (20060101); A61H
3/00 (20060101); B62B 7/06 (20060101); B62B
7/00 (20060101); B62B 003/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;280/641,39,642,42,651,655.1,47.34,47.371,79.11,DIG.3,644
;135/67 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1293750 |
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Dec 1991 |
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CA |
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2056148 |
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May 1993 |
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CA |
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2618400 |
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Jan 1989 |
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FR |
|
2180508 |
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Apr 1987 |
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GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Culbreth; Eric D.
Assistant Examiner: Yu; Min
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Greiner; Stephen R.
Claims
I claim:
1. A cart, comprising:
first side member having a first handlebar for grasping by a
user;
a second side member having a second handlebar for grasping by a
user;
a plurality of wheels carried on said first and second side
members;
said first and second side members each including:
a forward leg carrying one of said plurality of wheels;
a rearward leg hingedly connected to said forward leg and carrying
another of said plurality of wheels; and,
a longitudinal strut having opposed ends, one of said ends secured
to said forward leg and the other of said ends secured to said
rearward leg;
a plurality of lateral struts joining said first and second side
members together, each of said lateral struts including a first arm
and a second arm having inner ends hingedly secured together, said
first arm having an outer end hingedly secured to said first side
member, and said second arm having an outer end secured to said
second side member;
a first strap suspended between said first and second handlebars
and connected to each of said lateral struts so that the
application of an upward force to said first strap will cause
articulated movement of said first and second arms collapsing the
cart laterally; and,
a flexible article carrier suspended from two of said plurality of
lateral struts and suspended from each of said longitudinal
struts.
2. The cart according to claim 1 wherein one of said plurality of
lateral struts joins said first and second handlebars together and
said first strap is suspended from said handlebar joining lateral
strut.
3. The cart according to claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of
longitudinal struts includes:
a forward arm and a rearward arm hingedly secured together;
said forward arm having an end hingedly secured to said forward
leg; and,
said rearward arm having an end secured to said rearward leg.
4. The cart according to claim 3 further comprising a second strap
suspended between said first and second handlebars, said second
strap having opposing ends connected to each of said longitudinal
struts whereby the application of an upward force to said second
strap at a position between said first and second handlebars will
cause articulated movement of said forward and rearward arms
collapsing the cart longitudinally.
5. The cart according to claim 1 wherein said first and second
handlebars are pivotally secured, respectively, to said first and
second side members.
6. The cart according to claim 5 wherein said first and second
handlebars each include:
a lower tubular portion having an opening therein;
an upper portion slidably engaged within said opening; and,
means for restricting the size of said opening so as to clamp said
upper portion therein.
7. The cart according to claim 5 wherein said first and second
handlebars each further include a handgrip pivotally secured to
said upper portion.
8. The cart according to claim 1 further comprising:
a pair of conjoined platform members having an upper surface
adapted for receiving and supporting said cart above the ground
surface;
a plurality of ground-engaging rollers carried by each of said
platform members; and,
means for securing said first and second side members to said pair
of platform members.
9. A collapsing cart, comprising:
first and second side members each including:
a forward leg carrying a first wheel;
a handlebar hingedly connected to said forward leg;
a rearward leg hingedly connected to said forward leg and carrying
a second wheel; and,
a longitudinal strut having a forward arm and a rearward arm
hingedly secured together, said forward arm having an end hingedly
secured to said forward leg, and said rearward arm having an end
hingedly secured to said rearward leg;
a plurality of lateral struts having a first arm and a second arm
hingedly secured together, said first arm having a first outer end
hingedly secured to said first side member, and said second arm
having a second outer end secured to said second side member;
a first strap suspended between said handlebars and connected to
each of said lateral struts so that an application of an upward
force to said first strap will cause articulated movement of said
first and second arms collapsing the cart laterally; and,
a flexible article carrier carried by at least two of said
plurality of lateral struts and said longitudinal struts.
10. The cart according to claim 9 wherein one of said plurality of
lateral struts joins said first and second handlebars together and
said first strap is suspended from said handlebar joining lateral
strut.
11. The collapsing cart according to claim 9 further comprising a
second strap suspended between said handlebars and connected to
each of said longitudinal struts so that an application of an
upward force to said second strap at a position between said first
and second handlebars will cause articulated movement of said
forward and rearward arms collapsing the cart longitudinally.
12. A collapsible cart, comprising:
first and second side members each including:
a forward leg carrying a first wheel;
a handlebar hingedly connected to said forward leg;
a rearward leg hingedly connected to said forward leg and carrying
a second wheel; and,
a longitudinal strut having a forward arm and a rearward arm
hingedly secured together, said forward arm having an end hingedly
secured to said forward leg, and said rearward arm having an end
hingedly secured to said rearward leg;
a pair of first, vertically-spaced, lateral struts each having a
first arm and a second arm hingedly secured together, said first
arm of each of said first lateral struts having an end hingedly
secured to said forward leg of said first side member, and said
second arm of each of said first lateral strut having an end
hingedly secured to said forward leg of said second side
member;
a pair of second, vertically-spaced, lateral struts each having a
third arm and a fourth arm hingedly secured together, said third
arm of each of said second lateral struts having an end hingedly
secured to said rearward leg of said first side member, and said
fourth arm of each of said second lateral struts having an end
hingedly secured to said rearward leg of said second side
member;
a third lateral strut having a fifth arm and a sixth arm hingedly
secured together, said fifth arm having an end hingedly secured to
said handlebar of said first side member, and said sixth arm having
an end hingedly secured to said handlebar of said second side
member; and,
a flexible article carrier suspended between the lower one of said
first lateral struts, the lower one of said second lateral struts
and said longitudinal struts.
13. The cart according to claim 12 further comprising a first strap
suspended from said third lateral strut, said first strap being
connected at one end to said pair of first lateral struts and being
connected at another end to said pair of second lateral struts
whereby the application of an upward force to either the fifth or
sixth arm of said third lateral strut will cause articulated
movement of said first and second arms of said pair of first
lateral struts and articulated movement of said third and fourth
arms of said pair of second lateral struts to collapse said cart
laterally.
14. The cart according to claim 12 further comprising a second
strap suspended from said third lateral strut, said second strap
being connected at its opposite ends to each of said longitudinal
struts whereby an application of an upward force to either the
fifth or sixth arm of said third lateral strut will cause
articulated movement of said forward and rearward arms of said
longitudinal struts to collapse said cart longitudinally.
15. The cart according to claim 12 further comprising:
a pair of laterally-spaced platform members each having a base wall
adapted to support said first and second wheels of a respective one
of said side members above the ground surface, each of said
platform members also having a pair of side walls integral with
said base wall and extending downwardly at right angles
therefrom;
a pair of rigid arms joining said platform members together;
a plurality of ground-engaging rollers rotatably secured between
said side walls of each of said platform members;
a pair of first chocks each being respectively secured to one of
said platform members, each of said first chocks being adapted to
engage said forward leg of one of said side members;
a pair of second chocks each being respectively secured to one of
said platform members, each of said second chocks being adapted to
engage said rearward leg of one of said side members;
a pair of first elastomeric straps each being respectively secured
to one of said first chocks, each of said first elastomeric straps
also being adapted to encircle and retain said forward leg of one
of said side members; and,
a pair of second elastomeric straps each being respectively secured
to one of said second chocks, each of said second elastomeric
straps also being adapted to encircle and retain said rearward leg
of one of said side members.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to land vehicles and, more
particularly, to a wheeled cart having a selectively collapsible
frame for compact storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Walking aids have long been used to steady elderly and handicapped
individuals desiring to walk under their own power. Recent
improvements to such walking aids include the addition of a
relatively large container, for personal belongings, to a folding
frame permitting storage in a closet or automobile trunk when not
in use. Although the improved walking aids closely resemble a cart
in both function and appearance, and appeal to those too
embarrassed to use a conventional walker, such are not altogether
satisfactory for their intended users.
The prior art walking aids are generally deficient in several ways.
First, the nonadjustable handlebar structure incorporated into the
frames of most walking aids cannot fully accommodate the physical
peculiarities of an individual user. Thus, a user being unable to
easily grasp the walking aid may be unduly fatigued and, perhaps,
caused bodily injury during an otherwise avoidable fall. Most
walking aids are also unstable on unconsolidated soils and grass
thereby greatly restricting the range that a user may travel. A
stroll across a sandy beach or a lawn has, heretofore, been
difficult at best. Finally, when storage of the conventional
walking aid is required, few collapse or fold both laterally and
longitudinally for truly compact storage. Those walking aids that
do fold in this manner are complex in construction and difficult
for the elderly and handicapped to manipulate without
assistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In light of the deficiencies presented by the prior art walking
aids, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a cart
of uncomplicated and lightweight construction which may be readily
utilized by elderly and handicapped individuals as a walking aid.
The cart of the present invention features: a pair of
laterally-joined side members each having an adjustable handlebar
for grasping by a user, a plurality of ground-engaging wheels
carried on the side members, and a flexible article carrier
suspended from the frame for carrying diverse items such as a
folding seat or groceries.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a collapsing
cart wherein its lateral folding or collapsing function may be
accomplished by a user in one easy motion. In this regard, the
collapsing cart of the invention features lateral struts including
a pair of arms having their inner ends hingedly secured together
and their outer ends secured to a pair of laterally-joined side
members. A first flexible strap is suspended between the handlebars
and connected to each of the lateral struts so that the application
of an upward force to the first flexible strap will cause
articulated movement of the pair of arms collapsing the cart
laterally.
It is another object of the invention to provide a collapsing cart
of the type described wherein its longitudinal folding or
collapsing function may be accomplished by a user in essentially
the same motion as that required for lateral collapse. Thus, each
laterally-joined side member also features: a forward leg carrying
one of the ground-engaging wheels, a rearward leg hingedly
connected to the forward leg and carrying another of the
ground-engaging wheels, and a longitudinal strut having opposed
ends, one of the ends secured to the forward leg and the other of
the ends secured to the rearward leg. A second strap is suspended
between the handlebars and has opposed ends connected to each of
the longitudinal struts whereby the application of an upward force
to the second strap at a position between the handlebars will cause
articulated movement of the longitudinal struts to collapse the
cart longitudinally.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a cart having
fully adjustable handlebars so as to accommodate the physical
peculiarities of a user by telescoping in length and pivoting
angularly. The handlebars thus feature: a lower tubular portion
having an opening therein, an upper portion slidably engaged within
the opening, and means for restricting the size of the opening so
as to clamp the upper portion in place. The handlebars further
include a handgrip pivotally secured to the upper portion.
So that the cart of the present invention may be utilized on
terrain of all types, it may be secured to an auxiliary carriage
comprising: a pair of conjoined platform members having an upper
surface adapted for receiving and supporting the cart above the
ground surface, a plurality of ground-engaging rollers carried by
each of the platform members, and means for securing the side
members to the pair of platform members.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and
arrangements thereof in a cart for the purposes described which is
inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention may be more readily described with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsing cart in accordance
with the present invention shown with its auxiliary carriage.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the collapsing cart.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the cart in a collapsed
orientation.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the cart in a collapsed
orientation.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a handlebar showing details of its
telescoping, rotating and pivoting features.
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a handlebar showing hinge
details.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIG. 1, a collapsing cart in accordance with the
present invention is shown generally at 10. The preferred cart 10
includes a flexible article carrier 12 secured to a wheeled frame
14 constructed principally from lightweight metallic tubing. For
movement of the cart 10 over uneven or unconsolidated surfaces, the
frame 14 may be selectively secured to an auxiliary carriage 16
having a plurality of load-distributing and ground-engaging rollers
18. When being stored or transported in a vehicle, the cart 10 may
be collapsed both laterally and longitudinally by the application
of an upward force to a pair of flexible straps 20 and 22 suspended
from the frame 14 for this purpose.
The frame 14 includes a pair of laterally spaced side members 24
and 26. Preferably, each of the side members 24 and 26 is provided
with a forward leg 28 and rearward leg 30 pivotally connected
together in the form of an inverted "V" by a hinge 32. Extending
upwardly from each forward leg 28 is an adjustable handlebar 34 by
means of which a user may apply a pushing or pulling force to the
frame 14 to move the cart 10 and simultaneously support himself or
herself.
For relatively effortless movement of the cart 10 over the ground
surface, the bottom ends of the forward legs 28 and rearward legs
30 are provided, respectively, with paired wheels 36 and 38 of
conventional construction. The wheels 36 secured to the forward
legs 28 preferably pivot about a vertical axis thereby permitting
the cart 10 to be easily steered. The wheels 38 secured to the
rearward legs 30, on the other hand, are preferably of the
non-pivoting type. If desired, the two rear wheels 38 may be
equipped with conventional braking mechanisms (not shown) adapted
for actuation by a user.
Longitudinal struts 40 connect the lower ends of the forward leg 28
and rearward leg 30 of each side member 24 and 26 together. Each of
the longitudinal struts 40 preferably includes a forward arm 42 and
a rearward arm 44 of tubular construction which may articulated so
as to allow the frame 14 to be collapsed longitudinally. As shown,
the forward arm 42 is pivotally connected by a hinge 46 to the
forward leg 28 and the rearward arm 44 is pivotally connected by a
hinge 48 to the rearward leg 30. The two arms 42 and 44 are
pivotally connected together in partially overlapping fashion by a
hinge 50 with a portion of the rearward arm 44 falling upon the
forward arm 42.
A guide bracket 52 having a shape similar to that of an inverted
"U" is secured to the front end of the arm 44. The two downwardly
extending fingers of the guide bracket 52 ensure the proper
alignment of the forward and rearward arms 42 and 44 as well as
reinforce the hinge 50 against inadvertent lateral blows during use
of the cart 10.
At the front of the frame 14, the side members 24 and 26 are joined
by a first pair of lateral struts 54 and 56 which are horizontally
disposed, one above the other. The lower strut 54 includes a pair
of tubular arms 58, the outer ends of which are secured by
articulating hinges 60 to the lower ends of forward legs 28.
Preferably, each of the articulating hinges 60 comprises a pair of
C-shaped brackets 62 and 64 pivotally secured together by a pivot
pin 66 through their respective ends. The upper strut 56, on the
other hand, includes a pair of tubular arms 68 having their outer
ends secured by hinges 70 to the lower ends of forward legs 28. The
inward ends of the arms 58 and 68 are connected, respectively, to a
central bracket 72 for tandem movement.
With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the central bracket 72 may be
seen to comprise a metallic or plastic sheet formed into a C-shape.
As illustrated, the central bracket 72 preferably includes a pair
of rectangular plates 74 spaced to receive the inward ends of the
arms 58 and 68 therebetween. A semicircular coupling 76 is secured
to the bracket 72 at the junction between the rectangular plates 74
and extends above the central bracket 72 and lateral struts 54 and
56 for attachment of the flexible strap 22 by means of clip 78.
Pivot pins 80 and 82 are positioned within cooperating bores (not
shown) extending through the inward ends of the arms 58 and 68 and
plates 74 to pivotally secure such together. The pivot pins 80 and
82 are spaced from one another in such a fashion that the arms 58
and 68 can be articulated from a spaced, horizontal orientation for
use of the cart 10 to an adjacent, vertical orientation for storage
as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, the lower pivot pins 80 are
preferably spaced from one another at a distance substantially
equivalent to the outside diameter of the tubing comprising each of
the arms 58. The upper pivot pins 82, on the other hand, are spaced
from one another at a distance substantially equivalent to the sum
of the outside diameters of the tubing comprising one arm 58 and
one arm 68.
At the rear of the frame 14, the side members 24 and 26 are joined
by a second pair of lateral struts 84 and 86 substantially
identical in construction to the first pair of lateral struts 54
and 56 described hereinabove. In this regard, a lower strut 84 is
provided with a pair of tubular arms 88, the outer ends of which
are secured by articulating hinges 90 to the lower ends of rearward
legs 30. The upper strut 86 is also provided with a pair of tubular
arms 92 having their outer ends secured by hinges 94 to the lower
ends of rearward legs 30. The inward ends of the arms 88 and 92 are
pivotally connected to a C-shaped, central bracket 96 by pivot pins
98 for tandem movement. A semicircular coupling 100 is secured to
the top of the bracket 96 for attachment of the flexible strap 22
by means of clip 102.
A single lateral strut 104 preferably connects the handlebars 34
together. The lateral strut 104 includes a pair of tubular arms
106, the outer ends of which are secured by hinges 108 to the
handlebars 34. The inward ends of the paired arms 106 are pivotally
connected to a C-shaped, central bracket 110 by pivot pins 112. As
may best be seen with reference to FIG. 2, clasp 114 secures the
flexible strap 22 to the bracket 110. Clasps 116, suspended from
hinges 108, retain the central portion of strap 20 adjacent bracket
110 and within easy reach of a user.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the handlebars 34 are preferably of
telescopic construction so as to suit the needs of an individual
user who may be elderly or handicapped. The handlebars 34, then,
preferably include upper portions 118 of reduced diameter slidably
engaged within lower portions 120. The position of the upper
portions 118 relative to the lower portions 120 may be fixed by
means of a jam nut 122 selectively engageable by lever 124.
Each of the padded, tubular handgrips 126 provided for grasping by
a user is secured to the upper portion 118 of a handlebar 34 by a
pivot mechanism 128. The pivot mechanism 128 preferably includes a
first radially-toothed cylinder 130 secured by means of an integral
neck 132 to handgrip 126. A second radially-toothed cylinder 134 is
similarly secured by an integral neck 136 to the upper portion 118
of handlebar 34. A wing nut 138 positioned upon a bolt (not shown)
on the central axis of the radially-toothed cylinders 130 and 134
maintain such in meshed or locked engagement. When it is desired
that the position of either handgrip 126 be changed, the wing nut
138 need only be loosened, the handgrip moved, and the wing nut
retightened.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, each handlebar 34 is preferably secured
by a hinge 140 to a corresponding forward leg 28 of frame 14. The
preferred hinge 140 includes a C-shaped bracket 142 secured with a
transverse pin 144 to the upper portion of forward leg 28. The
upwardly extending flange ends 146 of the C-shaped bracket 142, in
turn, carry a pivot pin 148 passing through the bottom of the lower
portion 120 of handlebar 34.
A locking ring 150 is slidably positioned upon the forward leg 28
and the lower portion 120 of handlebar 34. When positioned against
the top of bracket 142 as shown in FIG. 6, the locking ring 150
securely retains the handlebar 34 in an upright orientation. To
fold or collapse the handlebar 34 against the forward leg 28, the
locking ring 150 need only be moved upwardly to the position shown
by broken lines in FIG. 6 to disengage it from the forward leg 28
thereby freeing the handlebar 34 for rotational movement.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the cart 10 may be seen to be provided
with a flexible article carrier generally indicated at 12
preferably formed of any durable fabric such as woven nylon fiber.
The flexible article carrier 12 defines a rectangular panel, the
front and rear edges thereof being folded over and seamed to form
sleeves 152 and 154 within which arms 58 and 88 are respectively
received. Similarly, each side edge of the rectangular panel is
folded over and seamed to form sleeves 156 and 158 for respectively
receiving the forward arm 42 and rearward arm 44 of each
longitudinal strut 40. The flexible article carrier 12, when
unfolded, is so dimensioned that a taut, horizontal supporting
surface is provided for carried articles such as groceries, small
seating devices and the like. Of course, the upper lateral struts
56 and 86 as well as the flexible straps 20 and 22 help retain
larger items upon the flexible article carrier 12 when the cart 10
is in use by forming a barrier to their movement.
The structural arrangement of the cart 10 as described hereinabove
is such that no means for locking its frame 14 in an unfolded
position is required. This is because the weight of the frame 14
and any goods carried upon the flexible article carrier 12 cause
the frame to adopt a self-locking and stable configuration when
rested on all four ground-engaging wheels 36 and 38.
By referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings, the frame 14
of the cart 10 may be seen in a progressively collapsed or folded
position for storage or transport in a relatively compact shape. By
the application of an upward force to the flexible strap 22, or
attached lateral strut 104, articulated movement of arms 58, 68, 88
and 92 will be accomplished thereby collapsing the cart 10
laterally as illustrated in FIG. 3. Similarly, by the application
of an upward force to the flexible strap 20 at a position between
the handlebars 34 will cause articulated movement of the
longitudinal struts 40 so as to collapse the cart longitudinally as
illustrated in FIG. 4.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the cart 10 may be seen to be provided
with a selectively engageable, auxiliary carriage 16 for ready
movement over uneven or unconsolidated surfaces such as sand or
grass. Preferably, the carriage 16 includes a pair of spaced
C-shaped platform members 200 secured together in parallel fashion
by lateral arms 202 positioned at the opposing ends thereof. For
strength, each of the lateral arms 202 preferably comprises a
relatively short length of rectangular metallic tubing. Threaded
fasteners 204 removably secure the arms 202 to the C-shaped
platform members 200 and permit the auxiliary carriage 16 to be
partially disassembled for storage when not in use.
Each of the C-shaped platform members 200 includes a horizontal
base wall 206 dimensioned to carry and support the cart wheels 36
and 38 above the ground surface. A pair of integral side walls 208
extend downwardly at right angles from the base wall 206. Between
the side walls 208 are positioned the plurality of ground-engaging
rollers 18 for movement of the auxiliary carriage 16 over the
ground surface. As shown, the free ends of the roller axles 210 are
retained within corresponding holes through the side walls 208. To
secure the roller axles 210 in place, their free ends are
preferably flared outwardly to a diameter greater than that of the
corresponding holes.
Each of the C-shaped platform members 200 is provided with a pair
of wheel locks 212 for retaining the wheels 36 and 38 of cart 10
upon the base wall 206. As shown, each wheel lock 212 preferably
includes a pair of wheel-retaining plates 214 secured to the
opposed side walls 208 of a platform member 200 and extend upwardly
therefrom. A connecting rod 216 having threaded ends is fitted
through opposing holes 218 provided in the wheel-retaining plates
214 above the base wall 206 and secured in place by suitable wing
nuts 220. Movably suspended upon the connecting rod 216 between the
wheel-retaining plates 214 is a chock 222 for engagement with the
cart frame 14.
The chock 222, which may be fabricated from lightweight plastic or
any other suitable material, is provided with a shape that allows
it to closely engage the cart frame 14 adjacent either one of the
wheels 36 or 38. In this regard, the chock 222 has an opening 224
in its leading edge with a radius of curvature corresponding with
that of the tubing utilized in the construction of forward and
rearward legs 28 and 30. To permit a user to easily secure the
chock 222 to the frame 14 at a point directly adjacent either of
the wheels 36 or 38, it is preferable that the smallest spacing
between the connecting rod 216 and opening 224 be equivalent to
that of the wheel radius. With such a spacing, the wheel periphery
cannot bind upon the connecting rod 216.
An elastomeric strap 226 is secured to the chock 222 for closing
the opening 224 and retaining one of the legs 28 or 30 therein.
While one end of the elastomeric strap 226 is permanently secured
to the chock 222 in any suitable manner, the free end thereof is
removably secured. Preferably, then, the free end of the
elastomeric strap 226 includes a hole 228 adapted for receiving the
portion of a pin 230 extending outwardly from the side of the chock
222 opposite that to which the elastomeric strap is permanently
secured. Although not illustrated in the FIGS., in further
embodiments of the invention, hook-and-loop fastening means may
alternatively be substituted for the pin-type fastening arrangement
described hereinabove.
The configuration of the auxiliary carriage 16 is adjustable so
that it may be utilized in conjunction with walking aids other than
cart 10. The wheel-retaining plates 214, for instance, are provided
with a plurality of holes 218 for the selective positioning of the
connecting rods 216 and suspended chocks 222. Thus, the chocks 222
may be repositioned to accommodate walking aids having frames and
wheel configurations of disparate size and design. Additionally,
the lateral arms 202 are provided with a plurality of
laterally-spaced, transverse holes 232 for the passage of threaded
fasteners 204. Thus, the distance between the platform members 200
may be increased or decreased to support walking aids of differing
width by placing the threaded fasteners 204 in the holes 232 which
provide the desired spacing.
While the invention has been described with a high degree of
particularity, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that numerous modifications and substitutions may be made thereto.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any
and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *